The Quotation of the Week (August 17-23, 2014)

A quotation of Benjamin Franklin on 'wise,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa

Photo (A road light and a sign after the ice storm in Toronto, Canada: Dec. 23, 2013) © Jerome D'Costa

The Quotation of the Week (June 1 - 7, 2014)

A quotation of St. Francis of Assissi on 'doing good in face of evil,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa

Photo (A relic of the ice storm that caught Torontonians unaware: December 22, 2013) © Jerome D'Costa

Toronto Experiences A Mild Snowstorm Today

The Sheppard Avenue as seen during a mild snowstorm
blowing over Toronto today afternoon

The Sheppard Avenue during the snowstorm

The Shepperd Avenue today

Photos (Toronto: January 6, 2011) © Jerome D'Costa

Toronto Experiences Its First Post-Autumn Snow

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Snowfall in Toronto
Photo (Toronto: December 9, 2009) © Ujjal Peter D'Costa

Snowfall in Toronto

Photo (Toronto: December 9, 2009) © Jerome D'Costa

The first winter storm, emanating from the Mid-west of the USA, blew over Ontario and Quebec provinces of Canada today. The city of Toronto got more than 10 centimetres (about four inches) of snow. Rain, coupled with strong wind, made snow soggy and slushy and roads became slippery.

The eastern Canada experienced its winter storm on Sunday, December 6. The western Canada has been under bitter cold temperatures.

This is the first time in last 162 years that Toronto experienced no-snow in the month of November this year.

Canada Awash with the Whites

The aftermath of the snowstorm of January 19, 2009 in Toronto

Photos © Jerome D'Costa
Layout: Joachim Romeo D'Costa

Snow, snow and snow -- everywhere! Yes, Canada is now blanketed with a thick layer of the whites. In addition, Canadians are braving a bone-jarring cold weather.

Currently, the temperature is: Vancouver 5C, Yellowknife -27C, Iqaluit -25C, Calgary 7C, Regina -8C, Toronto -5C, Montreal -11C and Halifax -6C. It is dangerous to go out of houses without appropriate cold weather clothing.

After the dumping of tons of snow, these places have a surreal look -- a kind of dreamlandy appearance. A few years ago, an immigrant from Bangladesh who never witnessed a snowfall in his life, described it thus: "We imagine heaven to be a place where everything is brightly white and pure. After the snowfall I find Toronto to be like that!"

Another view of the streets, sidewalks, lawns and houses -- all covered
with about 35 centimetres (13.78 inches) of snow (January 19, 2009)

Photo © Jerome D'Costa

Snowy Weather Terms

Those who live outside the snowy weather zones, will find it helpful to go through the goodies below:

Blizzard: A winter snow storm with strong winds, very cold temperature, low visibility, and lasting three to six hours.

Cold Spell: A period of cold weather.

Flurry: A sudden light snow fall of a short duration, having a very little accumulation.

Freezing Ice Storm: A snow storm in which snow only freezes on roads.

Freezing Rain: Rain, due to temperature below the freezing point of water, that freezes and forms a layer of ice on the ground or any other object.

Frost: A layer of tiny water crystals, resulting from frozen water vapour.

Ice Storm: A snow storm where widespread icing of plants, trees and infrastructures takes place.

Icicle: A tapering and pointed hanging piece of ice, formed after dripping water is frozen.

Sleet: Rain drops that freezes before reaching the ground and fall as ice pellets.

Snowfall: The depth of the layer of the newly-fallen snow.

Snow Flurry: Same as Flurry.

Snowpack: The accumulated snow --both new and old -- that covers a given area.

Snow Shower: A brief falling of snow at varying intensities.

Snow Squall: A brief, sudden and violent snowstorm.

Snow Storm: A winter storm having a large amount of snowfall.

Wind Chill: The cooling effect of wind and air, when applied to the loss of body heat from exposed skin.

Winter Storm: A storm with heavy snowfall, freezing rain, or sleet.